To Everybody: Well, at long last, this is the final chapter. I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been following this story since the beginning, both posters and lurkers alike. Your comments, suggestions and encouragement has, i think, helped me to become a better writer. Thank you and an extra special thanks to all of my betas who have helped me at one point or another during the tenure of the story: Pokey1984, Alethia, Hansgirl1031 and Geo3!. I couldn't have done this without you ladies, so my deepest and profound thanks for all your help.
Doreenthatshot: I understand how DRL can get. No worries. Thanks for the kind comments. My degrees are in the biological sciences, but I did minor in English in college. Thanks so much for reading!
Star Wars fanatic: Yes I do!
MystiStar1: Glad to hear that. Hope you enjoy this one!
Jessica-Angel-Skywalker: Thanks! Will do!
Ghostreaper181: Well, Qui-Gon does have the luxury of speaking to the All Mighty directly, unlike Yoda ;). Glad you like the genesis of Order 66. As for Ilianya explaining things, I'm afraid you'll have to wait for the sequel for that one. However, I plan on posting it very soon. Thanks so much for reading!
Jedi of the Republic: Thanks so much!
Stanfield Skywalker: Thanks a bunch. Things are only somewhat resolved at this point before we leap ahead into the sequel. Thank you for reading. Without you all, my stories would lay dormant.
JediMaster526: Thanks so much. Hopefully they'll be answered in this chapter.
ObiUberJedi: I have to say that I am still blushing from your extremely thoughtful comments. I definitely enjoy writing these adventure stories and I'm thrilled that you all are loving the ride. As for the Force, since we always heard about its will, I thought it would make things interesting if it was an actual character that could interact with the others. And yes, they all seem real to me so I am thrilled to know that they come off that way to you. Thanks so much for reading. I truly appreciate it!
NothingFeelsGood: Hmm..now that is an interesting idea. All I can say is keep on reading to find out ;). Thanks so much for reading. I should be posting the sequel very soon!
Naberrie Skylar: Anakin, by far is nowhere near being out of trouble. Things are only beginning ;). Thanks for reading!
Mo Angel: Heh. I didn't even realize the similaritis until I saw the movie the other day. Purely uninitential. Hopefully I won't get sued like Brown did ;). Thanks for reading!
Pokey: Thanks for the faith!
Mizra: Lots of possibilities exist for our heroes. Hope you keep on reading to find out. Thanks so much for your comments. I really appreciate them!
Fortune Zyne: Thanks!
Lisilgirl: You are too kind, but I'm hoping that the sequel will be an even better experience for all of you. Thanks so much for reading!
Quillian: Glad you like the character of the Force. Definitely a lot of fun to write as she is and will remain mysterious. Thanks so much for reading!
"Are you sure you won't change your mind?"
Siri paused at the ship's entryway and smiled at him. "I'm sure. Besides, Anakin will need you while he recovers."
"I would feel better if you weren't going alone."
"Can't live with out me, Kenobi?" She quipped.
"You know what I mean," he huffed.
"I appreciate your concern," Siri said, her tone softening. "But I think it would help my recovery if I accomplished this task on my own. That way, once I return to duty, I will no longer doubt myself."
"Then may the Force be with you, my friend."
"And with you," she responded with a tilt of her head. "Try not to get yourself into trouble."
"You know me," Obi-Wan replied grinning.
"That's why I said it," Siri answered with a feigned look of concern.
Obi-Wan silently watched Siri's transport until it disappeared into the deep blue Naboovian skies. He wished his friend well on her journey, but a nagging feeling at the edge of his awareness told him that Siri's path would be mired with struggle. Sensing no immediate danger though gave him some measure of solace. Lost in thought, Obi-Wan did not immediately sense Anakin joining him.
"Are you supposed to be out of bed?"
"Yané said it was good for me to walk around," Anakin defended himself. "Besides, I was getting tired of all of the handmaidens dropping by every hour to check on me."
"I'm surprised," Obi-Wan responded with an amused grin. "It's not everyday that a boy of your age captures the attention of several beautiful young women."
Anakin furiously blushed while Obi-Wan tried his best not to bellow out with laughter. "I suppose I just don't want everyone to make a big deal about what happened."
"Big deal?" Obi-Wan replied. "After watching the security tapes, you performed things…I didn't know were possible."
"Ilianya said that I used the Force to create an energy shield to protect Padmé…that it was a skill used by the ancient Jedi."
"I think there is much more to her than what she's told us," Obi-Wan observed, peering at him quizzically. "I checked the archives as you asked…"
"And?"
"There was never any Jedi by the name of Ilianya Tro. However, there was once a Kayliana Tro."
Anakin shrugged. "Perhaps she changed her name?"
"Possibly, but that would mean that she's over four thousand years old."
"What?"
"Kayliana Tro, or the Jedi Exile as she was more often referred to, lived during the great Mandalorian Wars. She served under General Revan as his executive officer before he fell to the Darkside. It was believed that she too fell, but unlike her commander, she was tried by the Jedi Council and subsequently exiled into the Unknown Regions. However, the rest of her file is protected under Master level access."
Anakin appeared pensive as he glanced away. "When she created the healing bond with me, for a moment I saw images from her life that were…incredible."
"What were they?" Obi-Wan asked, slightly cocking his head to the side.
"It's hard to explain," Anakin admitted. "There is still much about the encounter that I don't really remember. But I do have the feeling that she was sent here to help me."
"Her presence in the Force is unlike anything I've ever encountered in a living being," Obi-Wan pointed out. "However, I do not sense any taint of the Darkside or malice coming from her."
"Nor do I," Anakin chimed in. "In fact, my instincts tell me that I can trust her implicitly."
"I had my doubts initially," Obi-Wan confessed. "But after witnessing what she did for you, I am inclined to agree." Shaking his head abruptly, he observed, "Enough speculating for one day. You need to get back to bed, Padawan mine."
"Yes, Master." Anakin responded with a quick salute.
Heading towards the Palace's medical wing, Obi-Wan commented, "I hear you that you will be accompanying the Queen to her home."
"Yané wants me to convalesce for a month and both she and Padmé felt that I wouldn't be able to do that here."
"Sounds difficult," Obi-Wan joked.
Anakin chuckled before asking, "Would you care to join us, Master? I know Padmé's family wouldn't mind. Besides, I really would like to do some meditating."
"You want to meditate?" Obi-Wan with a look of amazement. "Now I have heard everything."
Anakin rolled his eyes as he guffawed in exasperation. "Will you be coming?"
A curl of a grin tugged at the corners of Obi-Wan's mouth. "I have something…important I must take care of first. Perhaps afterwards?"
Before Anakin could question him, Yané appeared from the medical ward with an annoyed look on her face. "And what are we doing out of bed?"
"But…"
Unable to conjure a convincing excuse, she lifted her hand to silence him then pointed inside. "Lie down before I have you confined to your biobed and sedated."
Bowing quickly, Anakin headed inside, leaving both Obi-Wan and Yané laughing at his expense.
Huddled in the corner of a dingy cargo hold, Dahlia wrapped her arms around her legs as she struggled to stay warm. Since they had been separated, the others with whom she had been captured had steadily disappeared. Only a few adults remained, and a girl named Tayal who was close to her own age. Dahlia's parents had been herded into another transport. Somehow she had known that was the last time she would ever see them. Indeed, she had cried inconsolably for days with only Tayal and an older woman, who rarely spoke, to take care of her.
The only thought that brought Dahlia hope was Siri.
The kind Jedi had tried to rescue her only to be brutally attacked by the bounty huntress. Dahlia had screamed futilely as they dragged her and the others back to their cells. Yet she believed in her heart that Siri had survived and escaped. Dahlia would often dream that the blond Jedi was traveling throughout the cosmos in search of her. If she thought hard enough, she could almost talk to her. Still, despite her hopes, the Jedi remained just out of reach.
"I wonder where we are being taken to now?" Tayal asked as she moved next to Dahlia.
"I don't know," Dahlia finally responded. "Although I did hear a couple of the pilots talk about Duro the other day."
"As long as it isn't Nar Shaddaa…I don't want to become a dancer for those slimy Hutts," Tayal said disdainfully. "I'd rather be turned to space dust."
"Don't say that," Dahlia pleaded. "Besides, Siri will save us. I know it."
"Give it up!" Tayal snapped. "That Jedi is dead and the others don't care about a bunch of slaves."
"She will come!" Dahlia insisted.
"Knock it off!" A slender guard who sat on the opposite of the cargo hold demanded. "Don't make me use the stun stick on you two again."
Both girls quieted and watched until the man finally closed his eyes. This one had been the least cruel of their keepers, so long as they stayed out of his way. Finally assured that he was once again asleep, Tayal whispered, "I'm sorry…I…just miss my home."
"I miss my momma…and pappa…"
"We'll get out of this one day," Tayal encouraged. "Most Masters now will let you work to earn your freedom… it just may mean a few years of hard work."
Dahlia was about to express once again her hope in Siri, when the cargo hold shuddered violently and over the loud speaker one of the pilots shouted, "Hold on!"
Dahlia and Tayal wrapped an arm around each other while grasping tightly to the cargo netting directly behind them. The ship jerked once more before it began to turn end over end. Feeling as if she was falling, Dahlia screamed out in terror, which was drowned out by the others' panicked cries. Her chills were instantly replaced with scalding heat as the bulkhead turned red. The last vivid memory Dahlia had was the abrupt silence that followed the deafening crash upon impacting on some surface.
Obi-Wan ventured to the administrative wing of Theed Palace and into the office of palace security. He paused in the doorway to watch Sabé working diligently, but frowning at something that she was reading. Despite having seen her only a few weeks before, Obi-Wan thought that she had grown even more beautiful and his heart ached to wrap her in his arms.
"If you aren't careful that look will never go away," he said with an amused smirk.
Sabé looked up and beamed when she saw him. "What are you doing here?" She asked with humor in her voice.
"Thought I'd come by to see if her ladyship the Captain of Palace security was free for second meal."
She smiled and nodded. "But of course, Master Jedi. Lead the way."
Within the confines of the Palace complex, several small eateries operated to serve the staff—allowing them to enjoy their meals without having to venture amongst the prying eyes of Theed proper. Obi-Wan had become quite fond of a small Alderaaian café that he had frequented with Sabé during his many visits to Naboo. Aside from the intimacy of the small establishment, he was partial to the Detani soup.
"I still can't believe what happened," Sabé said before taking a sip of her herbal tea.
"For a peace-loving nation, I'm sure you are all still in shock."
"Even though we were all trained to handle such things, I never thought we would face it here, at the palace no less. If it hadn't been for Anakin…" Sabé's voice drifted off.
Leaning back in his chair, Obi-Wan crossed his arms. "The Force was with him on that day."
"I've never seen anybody—alien or human —move as he did." She paused to give him a curious glance. "Can all Jedi do that?"
A proud grin grew on Obi-Wan's face as he shook his head. "Only some of the greatest Masters and even then, none that I know could have used the Force in the way he did."
"Is that why they were so afraid of him?" Sabé questioned, arching an eyebrow.
"I believe that they felt his powers would grow far beyond their control in time," Obi-Wan mused aloud. "And none of them, not even Master Yoda could see past that point and most importantly, what that meant for the Order."
"He is better off that he stayed here," Sabé suggested with a growing smile. "It allowed him to grow up around people who care and love him."
"Yes," he said while stroking his beard. "This was a much better environment for him. He would have been miserable at the Temple and I know I would have not been enough to keep him happy."
"You've been a wonderful mentor to him," Sabé interjected. "You can do no wrong in his eyes."
Chuckling as he took another sip of his caf, Obi-Wan said, "Well…a teacher is only as good as his student. Besides, we do him no justice talking about him while he isn't present."
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Sabé observed, "We haven't done this in a while."
"Too long, I'm afraid." Obi-Wan responded, slightly sulking.
"I know," she responded, her mirth diminishing.
"But we can always make up for lost time."
Her mischievous grin returning, Sabé batted her eyes as she asked, "And how do you propose we do that?"
Leaning over the table, Obi-Wan tilted her chip up as he kissed her. He felt her smiling as they shared their breath. Slightly backing away, he said, "I'm sure we both can think of something."
As the waiter passed their table, Sabé raised her hand. "Check please!"
After sleeping the entire afternoon, Anakin decided to get out of the medical ward for a short walk. Wandering through the plaza, he felt a unique pull of the Force that made him look over at one of the archways. General Tro was sitting atop its apex, apparently staring at the small river that ran underneath.
As he approached Ilianya asked, "Have you come looking for more answers?" Anakin nodded and nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other. She motioned for him to sit. "I will try to answer what I can."
"I did what you asked…I didn't mention what I saw to Obi-Wan, even though I don't like keeping anything from him."
"Trust me, it was necessary. Most, if not all Jedi could not handle the true nature of your vision."
"Then the Force really is a…person."
Ilianya smiled and then turned her attention back towards the flowing water. "The Force is greater than any single person, even an entire galaxy pales in comparison to her magnificence. She is existence itself and her will constitutes the very fabric of the universe" She paused and grinned. "The Force isn't really a woman…she really isn't anything corporal. She's neither good nor evil, she just is."
"How can that be? The Jedi are always teaching of the dangers of falling to the Darkside. "
Clicking her tongue, Ilianya shook her head."The realm of the Force is within you and all about you. It is not confined only to the spires of the Jedi Temple or the sands of Korriban. Rather, her power is infinite and it can be used by those of us who hear her voice to do either what we consider right or wrong." She paused and grinned. "The search for good and evil begins and ends with you. Always remember, it is your choice which side you will serve."
"But some of the powers I've used in combat…"
"Are just that," Ilianya interrupted, "powers. They offer no truth or knowledge. Their usage does not imply one basks in the afterglow of the light or submerged within the shadows of the dark. They are tools, much like the hydrospanner you would use to repair your ship. Do you consider that evil?"
"Of course not," Anakin chuckled.
"What if you threw it at another and killed them with it? Is it evil then?"
Anakin pondered her question before answering, "The tool is not evil, but the action was."
"Are you sure?" Ilianya queried, glancing out of the corner of her eye. "What if that person was going to injure another?"
"Then it would depend on the intent."
"Precisely," Ilianya lauded. "Anakin, you are going to find that actions in and of themselves do not offer the whole truth. That is why you must always keep your mind open to the knowledge the Force is willing to impart upon you."
"My dreams of the future," he solemnly observed.
"This is just one way," she said. "In time you learn other ways to hear her voice."
"Yes," he replied. "I want to learn more. Will you train me to better understand the Force?"
Ilianya smiled as she turned her head to look at him. "You already have a Master for that."
"But some of what you are saying is…"
"Beyond him?" Ilianya interrupted. As Anakin reluctantly agreed, she continued. "I feel that Obi-Wan still has much to teach you." She paused to tilt his chin up as he was about to sulk. "However, when it is the will of the Force, I promise that I will train you in her ways. For the moment though, there are other lessons that you must learn."
Anakin smiled as he silently gave his acceptance. They both then turned their attention towards the horizon where Naboo's sun was setting for the evening. At that moment, the world grew much larger and Anakin realized that the path that was his destiny did not seem as daunting. In fact, he was ready to make the next step into a much larger realm.
Rising out of her bed, Sabé flashed an impish grin at the still relaxing Obi-Wan. As she walked over to her mirror in order to braid her hair, he called out, "I don't know how I was without you for so long."
"Neither do I," she answered with a wink. "Definitely a practice I don't ever want to repeat."
Obi-Wan chuckled momentarily before his expression seemed to become more serious. His sudden change of mood caught her attention, prompting her to ask, "Something troubling you?"
"I never wanted to dishonor you."
Peering at him quizzically, Sabé responded, "And you never have. In fact, you've been too gentlemanly at times."
Clearing his throat, Obi-Wan queried, "But I know that Naboo tradition is rather strict when it comes to…mating rituals."
Sabé rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You know me. I've never been anywhere close to a traditionalist. Besides, it is not like I give my heart away to just anyone," she said with a devious grin.
"I know," he quietly answered. "Which is what got us into that three year debacle."
Sabé chuckled. "It was a trial separation that didn't take." Obi-Wan laughed as he rose and pulled something out of his robe. He then walked behind Sabé and handed her a small package. Looking at him curiously, she asked, "What's this?"
"Open it and find out." Sabé obeyed and as she tore it apart, he said, "When I was on Coruscant, I found it and thought it would look perfect on you."
Her jaw dropped open as she saw a ring made of diamonds. "By the spirits, Obi-Wan, you shouldn't have given me such an expensive gift."
"I want only the best for the woman whom I want to take as my wife."
Sabé blinked several times as she felt her heart pounding furiously beneath her chest. Forcing herself to speak, she managed to mutter, "Are you asking me what I think you are asking?"
Obi-Wan nodded as he dropped onto both of his knees in front of her. Taking her shaking hands, he asked, "Sabé Orllize, would you do me the very honor of spending the rest of your life with me?"
A small platform had been erected in the shadows of the Senate rotunda. Count Dooku sat placidly on it while scores of spectators filled the area to hear his speech. He could sense that while a few were genuinely interested in listening, most appeared to disapprove. For many months, he had voyaged to countless worlds in the Outer Rim to rouse the growing displeasure against the Republic. Despite speaking to disproportionately loyalist crowds, Dooku had gained the attention of several influential leaders of the region, giving him the ammunition he required to take his crusade to the capital world.
As he rose from his seat, he noticed the presence of his former Master accompanied by Windu and Mundi. Catching their piercing glances, Dooku nodded in acknowledgement before he spoke to the crowd.
"My friends, I am honored that you came here to listen to me. The Republic is faltering and the time has come for the beings of the galaxy to put this sick beast to rest."
Boos and jeers filled the plaza in response, but he continued. "For too long, the members of the Senate have used their positions to gain power and to make their worlds even richer at the expense of the Outer Rim. Millions here are starving while residents of the Core feast in lavish restaurants or spend credits on frivolous luxuries. Now is the time to separate ourselves from such lavishness—to build a new world of equality and freedom for all sentients."
"That's treason!" A woman in the crowd shouted.
"It is treasonous to continue on this course of greed and corruption that has plunged the government into irrelevancy," Dooku retorted. "The Republic was supposed to be an institution that safeguarded the liberty of its people. Now, it only serves those who hold the most credits."
"He lies!" A small man cried out.
"I speak the truth, my friend," Dooku answered without raising his voice. "Yet fear compels the people of the galaxy to allow the diseased beast to spread its sickness." He paused for effect, trying to muster a much more thoughtful look. "Compassion, my friend—compassion is the key to our salvation. We must mercifully put the Republic to sleep so that another grand institution can rise in its place. Now is the time for action. Who is with me?"
The crowd continued to shout at him until finally all in attendance left the plaza in disgust. In a manner of minutes, Dooku found himself alone except for the three Jedi. He knew his former Master well enough when he wished to share his thoughts. Walking across the plaza, Dooku stopped several feet in front of Yoda, offering him a slight tilt of the head in acknowledgement.
"Master Yoda."
"Count Dooku," he answered, leaning on his gimer stick.
"While I'm appreciative of your attendance, I have to admit that I am rather surprised by it. After all, I did not think that the venerable hallmarks of the Jedi Order would want to be associated with a political idealist."
"Despite our many years apart, think of you as my student, I still do." Yoda responded. "Missed your presence, I have."
"That is kind of you to say, Master Yoda," Dooku said evenly.
"What did you hope to accomplish by this speech of yours?" Mace Windu interjected. "Surely you know that the Republic is stronger now than it has been in centuries."
"Perhaps from your perspective, Master Windu." Dooku dryly retorted. "Then again, the Jedi Council has always been particularly short sighted."
"That is uncalled for," barked Ki-Adi Mundi. "In spite of your decision to leave, you cannot deny the fact that you will always be one of us."
"I will never again be part of such blatant inaction," the Count snarled. "One day, my cause will grow in numbers and strength and you will not speak so smugly about your beloved Republic."
"Service to others, always central to a Jedi." Yoda instructed. "To draw lines, unnecessary it is. Agree with many of your points I do, but follow the rule of law, you must."
"Forgive me, Master Yoda, but I must do what I feel is right."
"Then may the Force be with you on your chosen path, my old Padawan."
Dooku respectfully bowed. "Masters."
Both Mundi and Windu acknowledged him without word.
The Serreno Count grinned to himself as he walked away from the foolish Jedi. Indeed, the lessons taught to him by his new Master had allowed him to mask his connection to the Darkside of the Force. Lord Sidious had foreseen the Jedi's dwindling strength, but Tyrannus had not allowed himself to completely believe it until that very moment. Now, three of the Jedi's greatest Masters stood face to face with him and were not aware of his dark powers. One day soon this weakness would lead to their inevitable downfall.
A dull ache filled her head as consciousness flooded back to Dahlia. She tried to sit up but felt an enormous weight holding her in place. Allowing her eyes to adjust to the darkness of the room, she soon saw the remnants of the cargo hold in which she had been in only moments prior. Portions of the ship's structure were spread throughout as the entire hold was nearly torn in half. Squinting, she thought she spotted some movement where Tayal had been sitting.
"Tayal…Tayal…can you hear me?" She anxiously cried out.
A moaning sound was followed by a faint reply, "Dahlia?"
"Over here," She beaconed.
Moments later she felt the pressure on her chest lighten as a disheveled Tayal, whose face and arms were caked with blood, appeared next to her. "Are you alright?"
Dahlia winced painfully. "I think so. What happened?"
"I don't know," Tayal answered while rubbing the back of her head. "I don't think any of the others made it."
"Are you sure? Perhaps they are asleep?"
Tayal winced as her face seemed to turn white. "No and I don't want to go looking at dead people."
"We can't get out of here alone," Dahlia retorted, darting her eyes around the wreckage.
"Fine!" The older girl hissed. "But don't say I didn't warn you.'
The two girls attempted to crawl through the narrow corridor that led out of the cargo bay, but they were unable to get into the main cabin because it was blocked by smoldering durasteel. Noticing that most of the top surface was broken open, they crawled outside to see that they had landed in what seemed like jungle terrain. Catching her breath, Dahlia then closed her eyes and searched in that quiet place of her mind to find answers. "We need to get to the bridge."
"But the dead people," Tayal gasped as she was visibly shaking.
"We have to know where we are or else we'll become one of them."
Tayal grunted as they began to walk on top of the exterior of the ship to the front. Several feet in front of them, Dahlia saw a large breech where the roof of the bridge should be. Without word, she crawled down into the mess of wires and sparks. At the center console, she pressed several buttons and a faint image appeared on the navicomputer screen.
"What does it say?" Tayal screamed from above.
"We're on a planet called Malastare. Ever heard of it?"
"No," Tayal yelled back. "Are there any cites nearby?" As Dahlia pressed another button, a sequence of sparks followed by a mild explosion knocked her on her feet. Tayal cried out worriedly, "Are you alright?"
Coughing several times before answering, "I'm fine, but the ship is bug squash," she said as she climbed back out. Glancing about at the endless kilometers of wilderness, Dahlia added, "I think we're in for a long walk." Dahlia muttered as she looked out towards the endless kilometers of wilderness
"What does that mean?" Tayal fretted as her friend joined her.
"Means we have to take care of each other if we want to live through this."
In a small chapel near Sabé's home village, Obi-Wan and she stood in front of the holy man with hands joined, gazing into each other's eyes while pledging vows of dedication and love for life. Although Sabé had always dreamed of a large wedding with numerous guests, while having friends and family gushing over her appearance, this ceremony meant even more because she was with the one person who would make her eternally happy.
She knew that their union would come with a price – the cost to her beloved could be dire if his superiors ever learned of his treachery. And yet, something deep inside continued to encourage her and whispered that things would eventually turn out for the best.
When the holy man declared them husband and wife, Sabé couldn't utter a single word. Instead, she kissed Obi-Wan as if he would disappear if she released him. She never wanted the moment to end. Once they withdrew their lips, the realm of the real world would return, as well as its consequences. Sabé wanted to live in the illusion that everything was going to be perfect just a minute longer so she could always remember it when the trials did come for them. All she knew at that precious moment was she loved Obi-Wan with her whole heart, and that she would fight to the death for what they had.
For the first time in her life, Sabé was complete.
Anakin sat impatiently in the co-pilot's seat while Padmé flew the Angel Queen. She insisted on flying, saying that there was somewhere she wanted to take him, but had neglected to mention exactly where. Stranger still, Padmé had kept him out of his ship while she programmed the navicomputer and had Artoo lock out the coordinates until they arrived. Surrendering himself to her capable hands, Anakin reclined in his chair as he watched the mountains grow on the viewscreen.
"Is that where we are going?"
Padmé hummed in confirmation. Turning towards Artoo, she ordered, "Go ahead and start the landing cycle."
Within minutes, the AngelQueen set down in a large clearing at the base of a majestic mountain. To the right was a huge inlet of water that twisted along the surface of the shore on both sides. Around the perimeter of the field were large trees that stretched into the distance. Adjacent to the mountain was a structure that extended outward and seemed to be vacant The only sounds that could be heard were the rustling of the leaves from the nearby trees and the splashing of water against the rocky shoreline.
"Where are we?" Anakin asked as he took in the scenery.
"We are at the southern base of the Great Mountains. The residence once belonged to the royals who used it as a retreat during the arid season in Theed."
Anakin ogled the scenery. "I never knew such places existed." He turned to look at Padmé, offering her a lopsided smile. "Naboo never ceases to amaze me. It truly is a place of beauty."
"You don't know how happy that makes me to hear that, because it is now yours."
"What?" He asked astonished.
"It is a reward from the Royal Court, as well as my gift to you for my saving my life," Padmé happily announced. "Besides, it's not as though we can make you High Protector again."
"Padmé…while I appreciate the gesture, I don't need a reward. Having you safe and here with me is enough." She seemed to scrunch her face before turning away from him. Worried that she was offended, Anakin walked cautiously next to her, waiting several moments before he spoke again. "I'm sorry."
"What for?" she queried.
"I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. Of course I love your gift."
Padmé sighed deeply as she shifted her gaze back out at the distance. "You didn't insult me."
"Then what…"
"It is not you," she said with a slight smile. "I am still…troubled by what happened at the coronation." A single tear fell down the side of her face as she continued, "My decision almost killed you."
Gently wiping her tear away, Anakin smiled as he wrapped his arm around about her shoulders. "But it didn't and it wasn't your fault." Shifting nervously, he swallowed before he added, "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for those whom I love."
"I know." Padmé whispered as she turned to him. "And I meant what I said that day as well, but…"
Anakin felt his face and heart drop at what she was about to say. The ground seemed to spin, but he would not show any signs of trepidation. "But you don't feel exactly the same about me."
"Ani…It's not what you think." Before he could speak, she softly pressed two of her fingers on his lips. "I have spent my entire life dedicated to the single goal of becoming Queen. When I should have been playing with my friends, I was studying. When the other children were off on break, I had my nose buried in a datapad. Whenever I wanted to have fun, there was always another task that I was required to do for my mentors." Padmé's expression slightly hardened as her tone became increasingly bitter. "After all, I was the famous Naberrie prodigy and I was supposed to do great things for Naboo. I gave up my entire childhood for this, and for the longest time I thought it would make me happy."
"And did it?"
"Yes…and no." Padmé shrugged. "As I have gotten a little older, I've come to realize how much I've sacrificed." She hesitated, furiously wiping another tear away from her cheek. "Yet I know I cannot turn away from my duty…but I know that there is more to this life than just obligation."
"What are you saying?" Anakin quietly asked.
Padmé released a soft smile as she placed her hands on his shoulders. "What I'm saying is that no matter where this path will lead, I know that I will not have to walk it alone because you will always be here at my side."
"Without question."
She nodded and continued, "Perhaps when the world no longer needs their prodigy and after we both have done some more growing up…then maybe…one day…" Padmé looked upon in brief silence before she asked, "Can you believe in that?"
"All I've ever wanted is your friendship," Anakin admitted
"I know," she answered while wrapping him in an embrace. "This is why you are so precious to me. I am just Padmé to you and the crown or the prestige means nothing to you."
"You did the same for me." Anakin admitted as he gazed at her. "You never once looked down on me because I was once a slave. I will love you forever for that."
Padmé smiled and then reached up to kiss his forehead. Without word, she slightly released her embrace to look out at the scenery. Anakin felt his heart flutter as his spirit soared into the stratosphere. Indeed, the future held many possibilities and he knew that he would continue to stand by Padmé through whatever challenge arose. For the moment, he knew how she felt about him and that was truly enough. Through the whispering winds, he could almost hear the Force singing for him to be patient and that all would happen as it was supposed to in due time. Anakin was truly happy and for the first time in many years, he did not fear the future for he knew that she too would walk the path along side him as he faced his own destiny.
Note: Did I forget to mention there will be a brief epilogue posted in a few days? Darn memory. I will at that time let you all know when I'll be posting the sequel story entitled: For the Love of the Queen. As always, thoughts, comments and suggestions are always welcomed!
